Pittswood Birds

Just 38 species were encountered on this mornings full patch walk, that's 6 less than yesterday, despite me spending an hour longer out  :-)

In the dull and damp conditions it seemed to take ages for it to get light, which probably explains the low species count, maybe I should leave a bit later in the morning!  It would be hard to pick out a highlight for the morning, but I did add one more species to the December list when a COMMON GULL (56) flew over the Greenhouse Grounds. The LESSER REDPOLLS were also at the Greenhouse Grounds, at least 8 of them were in the Alder Trees, along with at least 4 SISKINS and 6 GOLDFINCH.

Just 2 MALLARDS and 4 MOORHENS were at the lakes, but 2 CORMORANT dropped in whilst I was there. BULLFINCH'S and GOLDCRESTS continue to be seen in good numbers, 8 of the former and 10 of the latter were spread around my patch. The winter thrushes - FIELDFARE and REDWING, continue to fly over in small groups, but there's not much in the way of berries to bring them down. The KESTREL pair were still over the Tree Nursery hunting, the only other noteworthy species this morning was the MARSH TIT, which appeared in the Wet Woods today  :-)

I added NUTHATCH and SPARROWHAWK for the day, when both were seen in my garden this afternoon, where I at last got a photo of the GREEN WOODPECKER that has been feeding on the spiked apples, although I had to make do with a 'through the double glazing' shot. I also had another JAY moment   :-)

Male Green Woodpecker

Green Woodpecker

Another Jay Moment  :-)